IT List: 5 Affordable Essentials for this Spring

Fashions this spring are fun and lighthearted so it’s easy to go overboard. This checklist of essentials will have you on-trend without toeing the line between cutie and crazy girl.

These accessories in Asian prints and neon colors are exactly what we mean by fun essentials, but be weary of looking like a flash back to the 80′s. The key to pulling these looks off is moderation and pairing with more neutral basics. We recommend going to scarf route to tie in Asian prints unless you are very adventurous-  like Jessa from HBO’s Girls.

Patterned and colored jeans are here to stay this spring and floral patterns are going bigger. Why not kill two birds with one stone with this sweet pair from Abercrombie & Fitch? Pieces that multi-task save you closet space and cash which is why we’re suggesting you tone down this colorful look with a dark colored boyfriend blazer that can keep you warm during the day or at night.

Boyfriend blazers are a bit longer than regular blazers so they also work well pair with dresses or skirts. This one is $60 from Topshop and we’re betting H&M also has a nice selection.

For more IT list trends check out these similar posts:
The IT List: Tweed
The IT List: Going For Gold
The IT List: Ankle Boots

posted by Alyciabn
01.24.13
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Made in the USA

No trend feels quite like home as much as the wave of Americana that’s been sweeping the nation. With a big nod to nostalgia, this trend celebrates all things that come from the land of the Red, White & Blue. We’re very excited to kick off our latest style series: Made in the USA. Each week we’ll be featuring a new product that’s – you guessed it – made right here in the United States. This week, we’re starting off with a set of tote bags that combine this trend with our other love – classic books.

Out of Print Clothing honors some of the greatest stories ever told through fashion and accessories. As their name suggests, they take iconic (and often Out of Print) book covers and feature them on their products. The result is a beautiful combination of literature and style. What’s even better – for each product sold, Out of Print donates a book to a community in need.

We’re thrilled to be carrying a few of their AMAZING tote bags in some of our stores. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Jane Austen or as intrigued by the mysterious Jay Gatsby as we are, you’ll be sure to fall in love with these bags.

The feathery Pride and Prejudice cover art comes from the original 19th century jacket designed by Hugh Thomson. However, if you’re anxiously awaiting The Great Gatsby film release this year, you can satisfy your Gatsby craving with the bag based off of the renowned 1925 first edition jacket by Francis Cugat. The Jane Eyre tote’s sweeping colors come from the Universal Library edition jacket.

These bags are available at select Barnes & Noble College bookstores so stop in today! Which bag will you be toting around? Post a comment!

posted by Sandybn
01.04.13
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The IT List: New Year’s Eve Style

Finding the right New Year’s Eve outfit is as important to many people as watching the ball drop in Times Square. We know you’ll be filtering tons of Instagram photos and uploading tons of pictures to Facebook – so make sure you do it in style! We’ve got outfit ideas for whatever is you’ll be doing at the stroke of midnight.

PARTY WITH FRIENDS

You’re ringing in 2013 with 50 of your closest friends! We decided to go bold as a way of welcoming in the new year. A sparkly, champagne-colored dress paired with both a fuschia necklace AND pumps is fun and bright without looking tacky.

FAMILY GATHERING

Sky-high heels and a glittery dress might not be ideal for spending the last few minutes of 2012 with Grandma. Instead, try a sparkling sweater with skinny jeans and a plain tank. Black boots will keep you comfortable while statement earrings will add a little flash. Hellooooo 2013!

STAYING IN

Whether crowds aren’t your thing or you just want to relax while you count down to midnight, you can still look festive on a new year’s eve staying in. Pair comfortable leggings with a cushy pair of black loafers. On top, throw on a draped metallic sweater for a look that’s super comfortable, but still has a New Year’s flare.

Which ensemble will you be sporting this New Year’s Eve? Post a comment below and we’ll share it with our readers!

posted by Sandybn
12.29.12
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The IT List: Tweed

Long gone are the days when tweed was reserved solely for professors or librarians. Nowadays, anyone can channel their inner academic and sport tweed pieces fashionably. We decided to make this trend a little bit easier by pulling together some of our favorite tweed items. Keep reading to find out which ones we picked!

The items we picked: Steve Madden Women’s Classic Tweed Flats, H&M Blazer, Forever 21 Tweed Pencil Skirt, Mossimo Womens Moto Tweed Jacket, Boucle Crossbody Bag

Which is your favorite? How would you work it into your everyday style?

posted by Sandybn
10.15.12
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The IT List: Belts, Belts, Belts!

Belts used for the sole purpose of hiking up an oversized pair of pants are now a thing of the past. There is no easier way to dip your toes in the trend pool than with these waist-cinching accessories. Whether you love all things glittery or prefer simple color-blocking, there is a belt for you. Check out our five favorites for fall and see which suits you best!

The belts we picked: Merona Chunky Glitter Belt from Target, Cutout Hearts Hip Belt by Forever 21, Life on the Edge Belt by ModCloth, Mixit Tabbed Colorblock Belt from JCPenney, Snake Embossed Skinny Belt from Express

Which one are you dying to get your hands on? Let us know in the comments below!

posted by Sandybn
10.04.12
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The IT List: Ankle Boots

Our IT List items of the week are short and sweet. Ankle boots are the perfect footwear option for fall. They’ll keep your feet nice and toasty on brisk mornings but can be easily dressed up as well. From casual to dressy to edgy, there is a pair for whichever look you’re going for. Check out which ones we picked:

If you’re heading to class or venturing on an apple-picking adventure with friends, this casual pair of ankle boots is for you.

The items we picked: Blowfish Hatfield Bootie from DSW, Sandblasted Skinny Jeans, Stripe Off-Shoulder Sweatshirt, Vintage-Inspired Brown Horn-Rimmed Wayfarer Sunglasses

For a dressier look that’s perfect for fall, a sleek pair (like the ones below) will work beautifully. Give your peep-toe pumps a break and step out in these instead.

The items we picked: Michael Antonio Morea Bootie, Gold Blazer by H&M, Cutout High-Low Tunic Tank by Forever 21, Rizzo Leggings from Target, Wire Wrapped Teardrop Necklace

If the above two styles are too tame for you, try out a crazy pair like the ones below. Be careful though, they just might become the center of attention.

The items we picked: Anna Michelle Assassin Bootie, Mesh Sleeve Scuba Dress, Black Faux Leather Clutch, Silver Hoop Earrings by Nicole Miller

Which pair would you pick? Share your choice in the  comments below!

posted by Sandybn
09.26.12
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The IT List: Graphic Sweaters

If you’re looking for a bold – but fun – fashion statement to make this fall, look no further than these graphic sweaters. They’ve been popping up all over and the bright, unforgettable patterns are hard to miss. They’re warm and fuzzy without being boring. Which one do you like?

Animals

If you’re looking for a sweater with an extra dose of cute, you might want to try one of these graphic choices. There’s one for the animal-lover in all of us.

Our picks: Master of the House Sweater by ModCloth, ASOS Panda Sweater, and Bough House Sweater

Symbols

Wear your heart – or star – on your sleeve in a graphic sweater like one of these. The bright colors go perfectly with a pair of dark skinny jeans and some flats.

Our picks: Knitted Start Motif Jumper, J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Heart Me, and Mossimo Supply Company Long-Sleeve Stars Sweater

Random

There are tons of graphic sweaters for whatever preference you may have. Whether it’s a vivd pattern or a quirky saying, there is something for everyone.

Our picks: Altitude Adjustment Sweater, Nevermind Sweater, and Vibrant Retro Print Sweater

Which sweater is your pick? Post a comment!

posted by Sandybn
09.12.12
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Fresh Goals for Spring: Remain Fruitful, Fit and Fashionable.

College is the time to perfect a healthy, productive, and fashionable lifestyle. Though procrastination frequently permeates most college campuses, it is up to us to overcome our own habitual idleness. By staying active in our studies, exercising regularly, and taking care of our bodies, we will be able to look and feel our best. Check out our list of goals to help you get started!

How to Stay Fruitful:

  • Purchase a planner and stick to the deadlines you set
  • Join study groups and remain actively committed to class-related responsibilities
  • Determine which time-management area you struggle with and outline a plan to improve

How to Stay Fit:

  • Join an exercise class to attend 2-3 times a week (many schools offer these for free!)
  • Find a work-out buddy to help you stick to your fitness goals
  • Choose your food wisely and pay attention to portion control

How to Stay Fashionable:

  • Try ‘thrifting’ or other ways of bargain shopping (check our Style on a Budget blog for ideas!)
  • Find clothes that complement your personality and make you feel comfortable
  • Remember that looking put-together and polished is a valuable asset (especially on interviews!)

Which of these goals are you going to start working toward? Do you have any suggestions of your own? Post a comment below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Deunbra I. – Houston’s Motivator Extraordinaire

posted by Sandybn
04.09.12
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